"What it does do is set key parameters of when you can call someone in.

"What we'll need to do is to monitor the overtime and monitor the efficiency of the escalation plan."

Mr Waites admits while it gives nurses more input, time will tell if it is going to work.

"Our members will get a clear indication as time runs on and management have an obligation to continuously monitor workloads and safe patient care so we assume that any gaps will be highlighted fairly quickly and addressed fairly quickly," he said.